Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation
Information Bulletin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

September 15, 1998

Christine Baker

(415) 557-1304

Commission Posts Injured Worker Video For Viewing Over The World Wide Web

SAN FRANCISCO--"Introduction to Workers' Compensation", a video explaining the steps a worker must take when injured on the job, is now available for viewing over the Internet on the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation web site at www.dir.ca.gov.

Using new and innovative technology available to Internet users, injured workers can now watch the video from their home, public library, or anywhere else they have Internet access. Employers can also access the video from the workplace to use in new employee orientation or to introduce newly injured workers to their rights under the workers' compensation system. After following brief downloading instructions, the interested party can view the injured worker video on their computer screen.

The video, "Introduction to Workers' Compensation", was developed by U.C. Berkeley's Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP), under contract with the Commission. The video is partnered with a series of six factsheets that explain the rights and benefits of injured workers at different stages in their injury. The factsheets are currently available in both English and Spanish versions.

These materials follow up on a study by the Commission of injured workers' experiences in trying to obtain information and help with their claims ("Navigating the California Workers' Compensation System, 1996). The video and factsheets have been developed to be free of confusing legal language and easily understood by the average injured worker.

Single copies of the English and Spanish factsheets can be obtained by contacting any local Information and Assistance Office of the Division of Workers' Compensation or by calling 1-800-736-7401. The materials are also available on the Commission's web page at www.dir.ca.gov. Simply follow the workers' compensation links to the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation.

The video, factsheets on diskette, or multiple printed copies of the English or Spanish factsheets in color or black & white can be purchased through Standard Register by calling 1-800-975-4772 or writing to:

Standard Register
10390 Coloma Road, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

The factsheets can be ordered "as is" or customized to include a company logo or message. To do your own customization, a diskette containing the factsheets can also be ordered. The video can also be ordered "as is" or customized to include a company logo and/or message. Prices begin at $45 for the first videotape, $115 for one set of diskettes, and $592 for the first 50 sets of black and white factsheets. Unit prices decrease for larger orders

The video can also be purchased from Christopher B. Bedford. Prices start at $35 for the first videotape including shipping and handling. Unit prices decrease for larger orders. To order, call 1-301-779-1000.

As part of its continuing effort to improve information services to injured workers, the Commission is embarking on new projects to (a) further define the needs of workers to receive information, both right after injury and throughout the course of a workers' compensation claim, (b) clarify employers' and claims administrators' legal obligations to inform injured workers, and (c) explore possible ways both to fulfill workers' information needs and to help employers and claims administrators meet their legal obligations. For current information on employers obligations to inform injured workers of workers' compensation benefits, please contact the Division of Workers' Compensation at (415) 975-0700.